Report and pics by Victor Crasta
Daijiworld Media Network - Chikmagalur (SP)

Chikmagalur, Jan 16: The annual feast of Infant Jesus was celebrated at Bala Yesu Nivas here on Wednesday January 14 with lot of pomp and gaiety. 

The Eucharistic Celebration began at 6 pm. It was presided  by the Karnataka Capuchin Provincial Fr Vincent Gabriel Furtado, OFM Cap with 26 concelebrants from in and around Chikmagalur diocese.  Around 3,000 devotees from all the religions took part in the festal programmes and offered prayers and offerings.  An inspiring and befitting homily was preached by Fr Arthur Prashanth Menezes, OFM Cap, the parish priest of St  Joseph’s Church, lower Kasarkod. 

After the Holy Eucharist, a sumptuous meal was provided to all the devotees by the Malnad Christian Welfare Association.  Fr  Antony Raj, OFM Cap, the vicar of Bala Yesu Nivas, welcomed the gathering and explained the meaning and history of devotion to  Infant Jesus.  Bro Victor Crasta, OFM Cap, the superior of Bala Yesu Nivas, proposed vote of thanks and invoked the blessings of Infant Jesus on all those who had gathered at the venue  and all those who helped to make the feast a grand success.

The local choir led by Fr  Agnel D’Cunha, OFM Cap, sang the festal hymns melodiously.  The festal hymn book combined with novena prayers of Infant Jesus printed with the help of Ronald Sequeira and family was distributed to all the devotees.  A calendar of Infant Jesus sponsored by Anita Pradeep Sequeira from Ireland was given to everybody as a festal remembrance. 

As a preparation for the feast, three days novena prayers were held and the Holy Eucharist was celebrated and an inspiring homily was preached by Fr  Harry D’Souza, OFM Cap. (Editor of ‘Sevak’ Konkani monthly magazine). Decaon William Prabhu, OFM Cap, compered the programme.